10 REASONS TO VISIT IN 2023

Although there are countless reasons to visit Charlottetown, it never hurts to have some added motivation. Whether you’re excited about the return of your favourite festival or looking to discover something brand new, here are just a handful of ideas to get your imagination rolling.

INVIGORATING SPRING FESTIVALS - In springtime, apple blossoms are popping, tulips paint street corners every colour of the rainbow, and there’s a palpable sense of renewal as nature comes to life after a long winter. Plus, with an expanding roster of spring festivals on the books for 2023, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.

PEI SETTING DAY CULINARY FESTIVAL | May 12 - 14, 2023

Celebrate the freshest lobster of the season. Featuring various culinary events and talented performers, it’s an unforgettable weekend in the city.

PEI MUTUAL FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS | June 9 - 18, 2023 This award-winning event brings music, dance, and storytelling into 40+ rural community halls across the Island.

ISLAND TIDES YOGA & WELLNESS FESTIVAL | June 22 - 25, 2023 Drawing on the rejuvenating characteristics inherent to PEI, Island Tides brings people together in a celebration that blends health, movement, and a little bit of whimsy in Charlottetown.

DIVERSECITY FESTIVAL | June 25, 2023 (Charlottetown)

DiverseCity is a free family-friendly event that celebrates Canadian multiculturalism and features music, dance, demonstrations, arts, crafts, and cuisine.

INSPIRING PUBLIC ART - Street corners, lamp posts, and sides of buildings are brought to life with impressive artistic creations. Keep an eye out for Gerald Beaulieu’s lifesize “Bluefin Bullet” on Richmond Street, as well as sculptor Ahmon Katz’s Great Blue Heron on the corner of Queen & Water Street. “The Three Leaves” sculpture stands prominently at the entrance to the city by the Charlottetown Event Grounds, while the Love Locks at the bottom of Queen Street and a lobster mural on the side of Timothy’s Coffee both provide great “Instagrammable” moments. A new Erika Rutherford mural on the side of The Old Triangle is also worth a visit. In 2022, three new lively and colourful murals by world-renowned artists were added to downtown Charlottetown building façades. Throughout the year, festivals bring out artistic creations like Art in the Open (Aug 26), Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival (Sept 29 - Oct 22), a Whoville-inspired Christmas Town (Nov - Dec), and illuminated wooden caribou and other installations during Ice City (Feb - Mar).

PRIDE FESTIVAL | July 21 - 30, 2023 - As a hotspot for arts & culture, Charlottetown draws many 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers in search of friendly nightlife, luxurious accommodations, and those coveted “Island vibes.” Pride Festival is a celebration of the Island's 2SLGBTQIA+ community, so it’s the perfect time to come and let your true self shine! Whether you want to join the Pride Parade alongside members of the community and their allies or celebrate from the sidelines, you’re guaranteed to feel the energy & love that washes over the city.

MOMENTS OF CALM - Take time to slow down and breathe in that fresh island air while you escape the hustle of everyday life. In the heart of the city, you’ll find a variety of yoga studios and wellness spas. Of course, you’re never far from the water and a stroll along the Victoria Park Boardwalk, just steps from the city centre. Or explore the region beyond the downtown core and visit one of the Island’s many beaches or wooded trails for a little nature therapy. Fans of serious R&R will also want to head northeast to the serene space of Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort nestled on the banks of St. Peter’s Bay.

OUTDOOR FALL BLOCK PARTIES & FESTIVALS

- Who doesn’t love a good street party? From the Street Feast Block Party (Oct 6 & 7) to everyone’s favourite tradition, Farm Day in the City (Oct 1) to the whimsical Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival (Sept 29 - Oct 22), Charlottetown knows how to embrace outdoor living and throw an epic celebration. Fall Flavours Festival is a celebration of the Island’s epic food scene and world class chefs. It features unique culinary events in communities across the Island on select dates during the month of October.

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UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES - Discover the most unique restaurants & culinary experiences in the Charlottetown food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for handmade Italian pasta, the world’s tastiest seafood, cocktails that’ll blow your mind or authentic Korean BBQ, it’s always a good time to get out and explore Charlottetown’s vibrant flavours. For a unique experience, reserve an outdoor snowpod on one of the city’s yearround decks or check out WinterDine, an annual three-week foodie celebration (Jan - Feb) at local restaurants. In the summer, meet a friend for Happy Hour and fresh oysters at Peake's Quay overlooking the harbour or visit the floating docks for a variety of eats and treats.

CHARLOTTETOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Nov 17 - Jan 2 - Charlottetown knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. What was once a weekend event has blossomed into over a month’s worth of festive programming. Take in the great shopping and festivities during Deck the Hall at Founders’ Food Hall & Market, hit up the awardwinning open-air Victorian Christmas Market (Nov 24 - 26), or enjoy a cozy horse & wagon ride through the city’s historic streets.

PERFORMANCE ART GALORE - The sound of music can often be heard wafting from the city’s bars & pubs and in venues like Trailside Music Hall, the Benevolent Irish Society, The Guild, and PEI Brewing Company. Victoria Row is often abuzz with live music, while the waterfront features open-air entertainment at Peake’s Wharf Summer Concert Series and on the patio at Founders’ Food Hall & Market. Theatre lovers can enjoy live performances at Confederation Centre of the Arts or over at The Mack, their cabaret-style theatre. Free shows also take place every noon hour in the summer at Confed Centre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre. Florence Simmons Performance Hall and The Guild both mount impressive performances in intimate settings throughout the year.

CHARLOTTETOWN'S COFFEE SCENE - Check out the many independent roasters and locallyowned coffee shops within the historic district. Head to one of Receiver Coffee Co.’s locations on Victoria Row or Water Street where their goal is to provide transparently sourced coffee that’s roasted to highlight natural characteristics in each coffee. The Shed is a specialty coffee roastery located within the all-new Charlottetown Library Learning Centre and at their original location on Pownal Street. Along the historic Currie Block on Queen Street, you’ll find The 5th Wave Espresso & Tea Bar, Charlottetown’s newest beverage bar serving up organic and sustainable sips. Meanwhile, Great George Street is a hub for java fans, featuring Leonhard’s Café, Timothy’s World Coffee, and The Gallery Coffeehouse & Bistro. Just beyond the downtown core is bar1911 on Longworth Avenue, a remote worker's haven serving up beans, brews & snacks.

WINTER, REINVENTED - Stay with one of our participating Charlottetown accommodation providers and borrow complimentary snowshoes for a winter adventure. Flow in the Snow, a free outdoor movement series, is a huge hit with fitness enthusiasts and outdoor rinks are the perfect place to drum up some endorphins. Jack Frost Winterfest Presents the Ice City Festival (Feb - Mar) features Sugar Shacks, horse and wagon rides, outdoor fitness classes, outdoor DJs, and more. A short drive will take you to The Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park where you can ski, fatbike, tube, and so much more!